4 AUM students recieve scholarships for nonprofit work with university program

Taylor, one of the Boston Terrier mix puppies, enjoys being cuddled. The Auburn University at Montgomery campus was a lively scene on Sept. 29, 2012, as dogs, puppies, cats and kittens roamed the lawn near Moore Hall in search of a new home at the 10th annual Find a Friend Pet Adopt-A-Thon.

The Next Generation Nonprofit Leaders Program awarded scholarships to Shayla Currie, La’Rontae Skipper, Cherron Sutten and Tahesia Whigham to assist the students in becoming certified nonprofit leaders.

The students were selected out of a pool of applicants from 29 affiliated colleges and universities.

The Auburn Montgomery’s Nonprofit Leadership Alliance allows students who participate in the program to pursue the undergraduate major of their choice while completing the requirements for a nonprofit certificate program.

One of the program major annual events, the Find a Friend at AUM Pet Adopt-a-thon, took place on Sept. 29. Nine pet shelters and rescue organizations brought homeless pets to the event, where 61 of the animals found homes.

By organizing and operating service projects in the Montgomery area – including the annual pet adopt-a-thon and holiday programs for children from low-income homes – the students gain skills in grant writing, fundraising, budgeting, risk management, advisory board development, recruiting and managing volunteers, and event planning.